Hey guys, im new at wakeboarding and i try and go to ski rixen in deerfield every weekened. Ive only gone 4 times and im hitting every ramp and kicker possible! =-) Anyways heres my question..... I see wakeboarders on a heelside edge with their body totally parallel to the water and out of no where jump and get madd air out of no where!! Im curious as to how thats done? If anyone could help id appreciate it. thanks http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/Playerz57/Wakeboard.jpg

I think all cables are similar and at OWC all you have to do is about 30' or more before a change in cable direction cut to the outside of the lake(safe that way) and when the hanger makes the corner it will yank you off the water. the more line tension the higher you go. This will not feel like behind a boat at all and is going to make you turn at least 180. It is fun as hell once you get it. Good luck. Next time you go ask someone at your park to show you this is a friendly fun sport don't let it or other riders intimidate you.

Launching an air trick on the turn wheel is not correct method. I believe it's not allowed in some tournaments. And as a beginner definitely the wrong approach. You edge and launch after the carrier goes around the turn wheel, and the reason you do it near the turn wheel is that the tension on the cable is at it's highest.

What causing you to go up in the air is pushing the board down into the water. This causes the water to grab the board and tension to increase on the cable. The water throws the board into the air, and along with the spring from cable and the centrifugal motion you take your air ride.

I know this isn't a good explanation of the technique, but that's the basics of what's happening.

When you want to launch, lean back and load the line, but keep your upper body from your shoulders down to your knees straight, do not crouch. Bend at your knees to edge the board into the water, and tee the board to the water right before you launch (make the board perpendicular to the water surface). To launch, dig the front of your board in by pulling whatever foot your ride forward with back about 6 inches. This will stop the board in the water for a split second and cause some suction of the board to the water, and you'll launch into the air. hope that helps some.

So andy, how bad are the falls when you throw your air tricks exactly when the cable hits the wheel???? I think id rather try throw an air trick in the saggiest part of the cable then right when the cable hits the wheel..... neither way makes much sense... I think I'll stick to throwing mine just after the cable makes a turn.